Divas Unsung is a one-night extravaganza celebrating the role of the Diva in our beloved musical theatre genre but in a slightly different way than you’d expect. It’s a brave decision to create a cabaret show based on songs from shows that were ‘flops’ but here we have such a show.

The concept is exciting. The crowd was filled with young eager musical theatre wannabes perfect for this educational flight. And that’s what it indeed was: educational. Songs that you’ve never before heard in your life performed by six professional female singers.

Considering we were in the safe hands of compere James Barron (Les Mis, Mamma Mia, My Fair Lady) it would have been beneficial to have a touch more information about the background of some of the songs. Some songs were glistening rubies plucked from the depths of forgotten scores. Some were downright bizarre. But each: wonderful, finally being shown off again in the light of day.

The undoubted star of the night was Rebecca Trehearn (Ghost, We Will Rock You, Aspects of Love) showcasing a resonant, warming and heart-wrenching voice along with impressive acting-through-song technique. Some other performances from our divas felt under-rehearsed and not always in the right keys so as to display their strong voices.

An encouraging night out for musical theatre buffs hoping to boost their own repertoire or broaden their knowledge.

*** (3 stars)
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